My reason why a topic about OTD - off the Derech- is simple: A Yid is a Yid, but apart from this I do like to create awareness about Hasidic Jews leaving their community and what we as a community can do to help. Struggling with problems or trauma can be the reason for leaving, however, this could be avoided by being aware and giving that helping hand. Find out what keeps this person busy and how we can get the right help.
HaShem chosen us from among all nations to be His people. Ahavas Yisroel means love your fellow Jew, like HaShem loves us, even the ones who leave the fold.
Last I year I had a topic OTD on my website, Friezel Vizel was one them, she is from Kiryas Joel and formely Satmer which we call OTD short for " Off The Derech ", but stil much involved in Hasidic life. Through Hasidic Tours which is not easy to start something like this as OTD, but years later Frieda is still on the streets of mainly Williamsburg and Boro Park. At that time I didn't know what to do with, but there is so much more to Frieda and her Hasidic Tours as I discovered recently.
My reason why a topic about OTD - off the Derech- is simple: A Yid is a Yid, but apart from this I do like to create awareness about Hasidic Jews leaving their community and what we as a community can do to help. Struggling with problems or trauma can be the reason for leaving, however, this could be avoided by being aware and giving that helping hand. Find out what keeps this person busy and how we can get the right help.
HaShem chosen us from among all nations to be His people. Ahavas Yisroel means love your fellow Jew, like HaShem loves us, even the ones who leave the fold.
Leaving the fold, is leaving life as you know and eventhough someone has very good reasons it is still a hard choice to make, often it leaving everthing befind and starting again away from what you know into the unknown of secular life. This can be so overwelming that many end up seeking professional help. OTD is a long road, very intense and with a lot bumps.
Frieda has a very nice and informative website, were she gives inside in Hasidic life, with the support of the video's which she made with so much love and warmth.